*for after you've read the article*Our training also follows the rationale that pure combination methods aren't enough or legitimate on their own as methods for learning/training Muay Thai. Combinations should fit a context and train the body to be flexible in adapting to the situation. As a beginner, you often learn very simple combinations that focus on shaping your basic technique and footwork.

Often, we work combinations in class that aren't very long, but either a. work specific mechanics for techniques or b. apply a principle that you can be creative with (ie. striking high then low, or using footwork to transfer weight properly, etc...)

As students become more advanced, it becomes their responsibility to try and piece together what mechanics and principles they are working in their class. The instructors will usually if not always tell the students the focal points of the classes, but the experienced should be gaining an acuteness to detail in what may even seem to be the simplest drill or class.

On it's own, the method of memorizing or simply working multiple hit combinations can be useful, but neglects the intellect and the eyes, which we at YMT believe to be at the heart of Muay Thai and its highest levels

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

This is Buakaw vs Masato for the very first time in the K-1 MAX 2004 championship tournament final. For a long time, it was hard to find a decent quality version of the full fight streaming online, but here it is in its entirety.

Note that K-1 rules ban elbows and what they view as excessive clinching; they also do no score throws from the clinch

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Here is Fox Sports "Muay Thai KO's", hosted by Australian commentators Michael "The Voice" and Mark "The Hammer". If you watch enough Muay Thai, you've probably heard them before, and you've probably also decided on whether or not you like them (you can always mute if you feel like)

Michael (the one with all the puns) on the left, and Hammer on the right

The fights compiled in these videos are mostly from Chaweng stadium, so you won't necessarily be seeing the absolute highest level of Muay Thai in Thailand here; but there are some pretty nasty KO's here by all types of traditional techniques (kicks, punch, elbow and knee).

Of particular interest is an old fight between Buakaw and Jomhod Kiatadisak for the WMC world middle weight title (probably the highest level fight in the collection): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-eZvFruoa4

"Sawdeekhup everyone!Dominated the CN Tower climb in your honor! I struck a pose with the Kung Fu Panda as well. I did the climb in 15:48! Joe beat me by 50 sec, he got 14:58 and the world record for Men is 7:52 sec.

The stair case is very narrow so if your doing it for time like me your pretty much dodging and gently elbowing the slow people in front of you; and in the rare situation when elbows didnt work a good rear teep was required. Thanks for your support guys! P.S. Free publicity Kru!"-Marco

A video from Kru Nick Bautista (student of Ajahn Suchart and head instructor of Brampton Muay Thai).

"A conversation between Ajahn Suchart Yodkerepaupri of Siam No.1 Toronto/Chiang Mai about the relevance and importance of Muay Thai in a western society. There is a significant benefit to learning the art beyond competition. Ajahn breaks down a typically 'brutal' Martial Art for us in a philosophical and moral manner..."

Note: Ajahn is referring to his fighter, Simon Marcus, by the nickname "Bad Bwoy".

Neungsiam is currently a Muay Thai instructor in San Fransisco at Fight and Fitness

He has won the Lumpinee championship at flyweight and also the 8 man Mitsubishi tournament title.

-----Spoiler:

The following is from an interview from Mymuaythai.com"Lucas: You fought Saenchai sor Kingstar correct?

Neungsiam: Yeah I fought him for the title at Lumpinee. I lost. It was at 115lbs. It was very close. The score was even. In the last round I missed a kick once and lost. He’s southpaw and I right kicked him. My leg ended up in the ropes and he kicked my back so he won! I’ve fought Attachai. Tongchai as well."